devastation

[ dev-uh-stey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of devastating; devastating; destruction.
2. devastated state; desolation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of devastation¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Late Latin dēvastātiōn- (stem of dēvastātiō ), equivalent to Latin dēvastāt ( us ) ( devastate ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Typhoon Yagi caused devastation across several south Asian countries and widespread flooding in Myanmar, Laos and Bangladesh.

From Salon

Residents evacuated from an estate where a sinkhole has appeared have spoken of their "devastation" as they face the possibility of being out of their homes for Christmas.

From BBC

The family of four stood in the middle of the street in front of the pile of twisted metal and broken concrete, struggling to comprehend the devastation they were seeing.

From BBC

After inspecting the devastation the next day, Macron made what to many at the time seemed a rash promise: to have Notre-Dame re-opened for visitors within five years.

From BBC

All Porsha talked about was her devastation of losing the pregnancy.

From Salon

Related Words

• confusion
• desolation
• havoc
• ravages
• ruin